Carragher demands Wirtz drop
Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola to drop Florian Wirtz for their upcoming clash with Manchester City. The former defender was highly critical of the midfielder's performance in the recent 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Carragher described Wirtz's display as one of his poorest in a Liverpool shirt. He believes the midfielder's quiet start to life at Anfield is not just a temporary dip in form but a sign of his actual level.
Wirtz has struggled to make a major impact since his big money move. Carragher noted that while Wirtz is neat and tidy in possession, he does not do enough to hurt opposing teams.
Tactical issues and comparisons
The former Liverpool defender also pointed out that playing Wirtz in the number 10 role causes tactical issues for the rest of the team. It forces Dominik Szoboszlai into central midfield, a position Carragher feels does not suit him.
Carragher compared Wirtz's output to other Premier League midfielders who cost much less. He mentioned Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia as players who regularly deliver key moments for their clubs.
Iraola has already shown he is willing to make tough selection decisions. He has previously benched Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong. Carragher believes the manager must now make a similar call on Wirtz before the Manchester City match.
Hope under Jurgen Klopp
With the international break now underway, Wirtz will join up with the Germany national team. Carragher hopes that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is now the Germany manager, can help the player find his confidence during the break.
Carragher hopes Wirtz can return from international duty with goals and assists, ready to make an impact against Manchester City.
However, if Wirtz does not improve quickly, Carragher insists he should not be in the starting lineup for the big game at Anfield.
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